I forgot to check the box saying someone can claim me as a dependent, so now my parents efile got rejected.

[tvixtoria9138]

I know I’ll be able to amend my form around February 15 (two weeks from now) electronically and my parents will have to mail their return. I wanted to know if I should wait to mail their return AFTER I amend or NOW (two weeks ahead of February 15). Also why do they have to mail it and can’t efile again? If the IRS receives their forms before I amend what will happen?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes mail their return NOW.  They don't have to wait for yours to be amended.  Even if you amend it won't clear your ssn.  

[tvixtoria9138]

Ok thank you so much!!

[Bsch4477]

Wait until your return has been completely processed and any tax liability or refund has been settled. Only then amend your return. Since amended returns take many months to process your parents will have to mail their return. 

[xmasbaby0]

Your parents cannot e-file this year---at all,   When you filed a tax return that said no one could claim you as a dependent you put your SSN into the system and it will stay that way for many months even after you amend,   No one else can e-file a tax return with your SSN on it, so now the only way your parents can file their tax return is by mail.  The IRS processed mailed returns a different way, so the duplicate use of your SSN will not stop the IRS from processing your parents' mailed return.   The problem is that it takes the IRS a lot longer to process mailed returns, so if your parents need their refund they will wait a lot longer for it. 

If it is any comfort, you (and your parents) are among many young tax filers who make this mistake.  We will be seeing plenty of posts just like yours.   And posts from the parents whose e-files were rejected....